The BBC has dropped the controversial 'digital face' advert trailer after viewers complained that it was "disturbingly psychotic."

More than 1,300 complaints were made about the advert, known as 'The Face', which promotes digital TV.

The corporation acknowledged that it has "finished slightly early."

"We have been very conscious that some viewers disliked the nature of the trail, although clearly it was not our intention to offend," said a spokesman for the broadcaster.

"Given that we feel the trail has achieved its aims, we feel that we can now conclude the campaign and use the air-time to let viewers know about the fantastic Christmas in store for them on the BBC."